GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST can tick off the matches one by one. He has been there, done that and got medals on the biggest stages in the game.

Tonight at Parkhead, he will take part in a fixture that he ranks amongst the most special of all. It is local, rather than European or world, bragging rights that are on the line as the Old Firm meet once again.

As a player, Van Bronckhorst tasted Premier League and La Liga success and won the Champions League with Barcelona. Those achievements came after KNVB Cup glory with Feyenoord and a trophy-laden spell with Rangers.

The ultimate prize would evade Van Bronckhorst in his last match as The Netherlands - a side that he captained - were beaten by Spain in the World Cup final more than a decade ago.

He is now targeting Scottish silverware once again. If that dream is to be achieved, victory in the second Old Firm clash of the campaign could play a significant part for Rangers.

“What is the case for players is the same for coaches, you know," Van Bronckhorst said.

"You have special games in your career, throughout the season, and of course for me and the club the Old Firm is the biggest game we play in the league. It was that way for myself as a player and now as a coach.

“It’s the same, you want to enjoy the game and you want to be successful. You want to make sure you get a good result.

"I feel, of course, excitement because it is a big game. I played many big games in my career – Old Firms, Clasicos, World Cup final, Champions League final, Euros – and they are all exciting games.

"To prepare for games like this is really nice because you want to get the best out of your team, you want to perform well, make sure everything is well organised. But it is with a lot of energy and to make sure that everything is there to get a good result."

The blips have been few and far between for Van Bronckhorst since he returned to Ibrox in November but the draws with Aberdeen and Ross County have seen Rangers' lead in the title race eroded.

Just two points now separate the Old Firm at the top of the Premiership. First place in the standings is on the line tonight as the champions aim to bounce back to winning ways.

This is a fixture that needs no introduction or hype. The increased stakes only add to the sense of excitement as Rangers aim to extend their lengthy unbeaten derby run.

"I played in many big games in my career but the Old Firm is special," Van Bronckhorst said. "It's a special game for any player who is involved in this game.

"It's a huge game and the sort of game you want to enjoy. I don't think there are going to be bigger games in club competition in the world so for us it's another game to enjoy and ensure we get a good result.

"You know how big a game it is because of the exposure it gets, especially here with the Old Firm games.

"I think we have a very experienced squad with older players who have experienced this match.

"So they know what to do and what kind of atmosphere they will be playing in, so for us there are no surprises.

"Of course it's always good to have had good results against Celtic over the years but it's a new game.

"What you have achieved before this game doesn't matter and tomorrow is a new challenge for us and we have to make sure we are there."

Rangers will make the trip across Glasgow buoyed by the signing of Aaron Ramsey on deadline day but an excited support will not have forgiven or forgotten the events at Dingwall last weekend.

County's late equaliser, coupled with a dramatic Celtic victory over Dundee United, has changed the dynamic of the title race. Rangers have points to prove as well as three to earn at Parkhead.

"Football is all about momentum and obviously the injury time last weekend changed the standings," Van Bronckhorst said. "In normal time we were six points ahead and in extra time we are two ahead. I think the difference is very marginal as we have seen last weekend.

"It's still a game to play and to enjoy and to make sure we can also extend the lead to five with a good performance and that is our aim. That's what we want to achieve.

"We all played in the top level, we have experienced these matches before, but to go to Celtic Park without fans we have to be there and we have to be strong as a team. There are also other challenges in your career which you want to have and you want to feel.

"You want different emotions and you want to feel the atmosphere. It's a good game to play and to get a good result for Rangers."

The first weeks of Van Bronckhorst's reign have - despite those two league stumbles - been steady for Rangers as the Dutchman has made a solid start since replacing Steven Gerrard in the dugout.

He will go head-to-head with Ange Postecoglou for the first time this evening. The pair have become accustomed to meeting in social settings but the Old Firm arena is a very different prospect.

Van Bronckhorst said: "I have much respect for him and I think it's mutual. We met each other a couple of times at Celtic and it was always nice speaking to him.

"It's good to have the rivalry but also the respect for each other as coaches. We are both professional and [tonight] we are enemies. We will do everything to get the best results for our clubs.

"We are playing away and he has to invite me but I don't think at the moment we are thinking about a glass of wine or whatever, we are thinking about the points for our teams."